We recently connected with Monica Dubray and have shared our conversation below.
Monica, so great to be with you and I think a lot of folks are going to benefit from hearing your story and lessons and wisdom. Imposter Syndrome is something that we know how words to describe, but it’s something that has held people back forever and so we’re really interested to hear about your story and how you overcame imposter syndrome.
I don’t think imposter syndrome is something to vanquish, or an insecurity to shake over time. She’s along for the ride whether I like it or not. It’s up to me to decide how I react to it.
For me, imposter syndrome is a part of a larger negative voice that’s just a part of me. It’s been up to me to learn and re-learn that some jobs or projects come with new things to learn, but I bring along the experience, taste, and communication skills to do the work. If it’s not perfect, it was probably still worth doing even if it made me uncomfortable to not know everything from the jump.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
First, know who’s on your “advisory board.” Know who you’ll text for a second opinion, and who you’re calling for advice when something’s out of your depth. These are people you take seriously, and look up to.
Second, say yes to things that interest you. Apply for the job, volunteer for something cool, send in your interview answers to an online publication. You’re going to learn something no matter how it goes. If you’re always saying no, it’s hard to shake up your trajectory. Say yes, and let new opportunities and people walk into the scene.
Treat (almost) everyone like a potential new friend or collaborator. It’s easy to be nice to people, and I’ve made connections with some of the most talented people I know through being open and asking someone how their day is going. You’ll know if someone you’ve given a chance isn’t worth engaging further, but as someone smarter than me has said, “you don’t know what you don’t know.”
Before we go, maybe you can tell us a bit about your parents and what you feel was the most impactful thing they did for you?
I’ll start by saying my parents have been some of my biggest supporters, and have always made sure I got the education, resources, and emotional support I’ve needed to be successful. I’m very lucky, and they are so cool and smart. However, the most impactful thing they’ve done for me is doubt me! They are science people. It’s just a different world. Even after choosing a potentially corporate career path, you need to sell your “style” and “culture fit,”and interviewing for an internship as a designer can’t be strictly boiled down to talking points from my resume. My brand of “ugh, my parents just don’t get me” has shown up when I’ve had to navigate new chapters in my career in the face of skepticism, and take risks to just show them that it’ll work out. To be clear, sometimes things haven’t worked out and I fail big time. They’ll always have my back in those moments, but I always give them the chance to cheer me on when I swing big.
I’ll also add that my mom making me go to Catholic church every week growing up taught me to be a good listener even when I’m totally not interested or didn’t agree. Shout out to all the former altar servers out there!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.boilerplate-creative.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mondubray
- Linkedin: www.linkedin.com/in/monica-dubray-ba4a5b65
Image Credits
Lizz Cardwell
